I've been officially retired for three months now at 60. I thought the first thing I'd feel was freedom, but instead, I'm experiencing a long-lost tranquility. Before, I was constantly chasing after work and life, like an assembly line, with no time to stop and think too much. But now that the alarm clock no longer wakes me up and life has suddenly slowed down, my heart has become restless. I've started asking myself questions I've never had time to consider before: What did I do right in my life? How should I live the rest of my days? Is it too late to live for myself one last time? When I was young, I thought success was about how much money I made and how much I bought; at 60, I've realized that true success is being able to love yourself in old age. Sitting at my doorstep watching the sunset every day, I'm slowly understanding: retirement isn't about leaving work, but about starting to learn how to be at peace with myself again. I used to envy those who owned houses, had savings, and made investments; now I envy those who wake up every day knowing "what I want to do today." The biggest challenge after retirement isn't money, but the sudden emptiness in my heart. So I've learned to simplify my life: tidying up the house is progress, taking a short walk is an investment, and having a cup of tea with fellow countrymen is happiness. The first half of life is about competing with others; the second half is about competing with yourself. I'm curious—for you, what's the hardest lesson to learn after 60?
Actually, at 42, being willing to start thinking about "how to make yourself comfortable in the future" is a mature and commendable thing. Retirement doesn't suddenly happen at 60; it's something that accumulates little by little over time. Everyone starts from a different point, but as long as the direction is right, it doesn't matter if you're a little slower. The fact that you're willing to ask yourself these questions means you've started preparing earlier than many others. I think that's actually your advantage.